Sony DCRPC100 Digital HandyCam Camcorder

The Sony DCR-PC100 functions as both a high-quality digital camcorder and a 1-megapixel digital still camera. As a camcorder, picture quality is excellent--the MiniDV format provides three times as much color depth and lower noise than virtually any analog format, plus 520 lines of resolution for crystal-clear video. The Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar 10x optical/120x digital zoom lens helps bring the action close up from far away, and the digital zoom features improved interpolation technology for cleaner and clearer extreme zooms than those on earlier models, with less blocking and distortion than most other types of digital zoom.

Many digital camcorders now come with a "digital still camera" mode. However, most camcorders' resolution in this mode is usually only 640 x 480 pixels. The DCR-PC100 captures three times as much information in its stills, taking high-quality 1-megapixel 1,152 x 864 images for photo-quality prints at sizes up to 5 by 7 inches. A 4 MB Memory Stick card is included for recording stills. A serial-port Memory Stick reader is also provided for easy transfer of images to your computer.

The DCR-PC100 runs on an InfoLithium battery with Accupower meter system. Optional higher-capacity batteries can increase recording times up to 6.5 hours. To get rid of shakiness, the camera includes "super steady shot" digital picture stabilization. The "NightShot" zero-lux system lets you capture video even when shooting in total darkness, thanks to a built-in infrared beam that illuminates objects up to 10 feet away. The camera also incorporates a LaserLink transmitter, which lets you beam your movies to any LaserLink-equipped TV for wireless playback.

Sony's i.LINK DV interface allows high-speed bidirectional digital communication between any two devices equipped with an IEEE 1394 (also known as FireWire) interface, including camcorders, digital VTRs, capture cards, and PCs.

For transferring old analog images to the digital format, the camera includes analog inputs and features a progressive shutter system--a mechanical shutter that provides progressive scan performance while utilizing an interlace scanning system.